This bill amends the definition of "recovery house" in RSA 153:10-d, II, changing it from a "residence" to a "primarily non-transient dwelling or dwelling unit" that provides a substance-free living environment for individuals in recovery from addiction. The new definition emphasizes that recovery houses support individuals living as a single household and centered on peer support and connections to recovery services. Additionally, the bill specifies that recovery housing does not include boarding houses, rooming houses, halfway houses, or any other licensed facilities under RSA 151.

Furthermore, the bill introduces a new paragraph to RSA 674:17, which mandates that recovery houses located within single-family, two-family, or multi-family structures be treated as such in zoning ordinances, exempting them from certain permitting or approval processes. It stipulates that the use of an existing multi-family structure as a recovery house will not require site plan review, provided the recovery house is certified or actively pursuing certification. Operators must notify the local governing body at least 30 days before beginning operations, allowing the governing body to verify compliance with certification and other relevant requirements. The act will take effect 60 days after its passage.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 153:10-d, 674:17